My Story

Hello! It is a pleasure for me to greet you, and I want to share with you some news about my family and me. I am Dominga Elisa Benito Mendoza, and I am 12 years old, but in July I will turn 13 years old. Currently, we are still attending the Catholic Church once a week. We are grateful to the Living Water evangelism team who shared the gospel and encouraged us to continue seeking God. This year I am in 6^th grade at school.  I receive face-to-face classes every day, and I enjoy this study method because I learn a lot, and I spend more time with my teacher. My native language is Maya Quiche, but I would like to learn Spanish to improve my communication with other people. In addition, I want to learn English. In the future, I want to work in a tortillas business in order to support my family. My favorite celebration of the year is Christmas because we can see the Christmas lights. I love to play soccer. I enjoy drinking “Incaparina” (a hot beverage). What I prefer to do for my birthday is to wear my favorite clothes and spend the day with my family.  My family is grateful to LW because we have been blessed in different ways with meals, medical and dental attention, and spiritual support also, I also feel so happy when I receive the Christmas gift at year`s end. By the grace of God, all my family is in good health. 

My mother`s name is Juana Isabel Mendoza Riz and she is 28 years old. She continues to earn a living by working in a tortillas business in Guatemala City in order to support us. Regularly, she comes to visit the family for Easter, for the town`s fair, and also for Christmas time. She is making an effort to support us with school expenses, and it is very difficult for her because the school supplies are very expensive, and she does not have a stable job.  My father`s name is Victor Benito Calachij and he is 32 years old. As you know, he abandoned the family several years ago. Fortunately, he continues having communication with us and supports us economically. Nowadays, my grandparents Cirilo Mendoza de la Cruz and Dominga Riz Simaj are taking care of us. My grandfather works as a day laborer. My grandmother does chores at home. In addition, she raises hens and pigs for selling to get some income. We grow corn for our family’s consumption. We are a humble and big family, so our current needs are corn and groceries. May God bless you!

Hugs and kisses,

Dominga Elisa Benito Mendoza

Translated by:  Gladys Chavez/ A-A-C Secretary-Antigua